knit two, purl two

2005-08-06T15:13:00.000-07:00

Movin' on up, and movin' out.

Yup, it has come time to abandon Blogger and blogspot and move into something roomier and prettier. You'll now be able to find all new posts at http://twistedstitcher.net. Same ole k2p2, just with fancier digs.

(And feel free to steal the button, but please host it yourself.)

2005-08-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the lack of posts around here. I've been working on moving all my old posts over to Wordpress which is kicking my literal ass. Holy time consuming, Batman. And with the Blogathon coming up (have you sponsored us yet?) I've been hoarding projects and posts to post there.

I'll be back with a few new and spiffy projects soon!

2005-07-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

Note: Shameless self-promotion ahead.

I'll be taking part in this years Blogathon, along with Jennie (of spinning-jennie.com fame) on August 6th. We're blogging for Project Linus, something that is near and dear to both of us.

If Project Linus is something you have supported or donated to in the past, please consider sponsoring us. Any amount would be greatly appreciated, and all donations go directly to Project Linus. And if you're not able to sponsor us, stop by and cheer us on. Come 3am, I am sure we'll both need it.

2005-07-21T19:39:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Rowan Cotton Rope in Squash
Needles: Addi Turbo Sz 6 and Sz 8 32" circulars
Pattern: One Skein Wonder by Stefanie Japel for Glampyre Knits

Where to start.

I ended up not doing the seed stitch on the "sleeves", instead opting for matching ribbing. I bound all the ribbing off with a size nine needle so that my torso wouldn't have the blood flow cut off from it by a too-tight top. The colour was actually picked out by our Rowan rep at the shop. I wasn't crazy about it at first but I think she was on to something.

At 63 yards per skein it is pretty much a given that this wasn't, in fact, a one skein wonder. Try four skeins, with maybe 15 yards left over, which means I used well over the yardage on the pattern. This is to blame because I used a US six needle instead of a US 5, and the method in which I picked up the stitches for the ribbing around the body.

And yes, I know I said I would post this two days ago. But it has been sunny and warm. Can you really blame me for avoiding the computer?

2005-07-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

Oh, Artyarns Supermerino. How I love me some crazy-ass pooling. I hope my sock pal does too.

Tomorrow, a finished ~~one~~ ~~three~~ FOUR Skein Wonder.

2005-07-14T23:57:00.000-07:00

A recipe for (di)stress.

Cotton yarn + looming deadline = RSI.

Now if you don't mind, I am off to find the Advil and quiet the whining wrist down. After all, I work Saturday and must have a One Skein Wonder* to wear.

*Really three skeins in my case, but we'll discuss that at another time.

2005-07-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

Ahh, a finished Misty Garden. It still needs a good blocking but I am SO GLAD I don't have to do another four row feather and fan repeat any time soon.

The finishing of this project makes my hands sad, however. The largest needles I am using for a project at the moment are US Sz 2. Let the repetative stress injuries begin!

2005-07-03T22:30:00.000-07:00

And he'll wear it too.

2005-06-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Rowan Handknit DK Cotton in Turkish Plum and Gooseberry
Needles: Addi Turbo Sz 3 and Sz 6 24" circulars
Pattern: 'Wait for Me' from Miss Bea's Playtime by Louisa Harding

Guess who managed to seam the shoulders up? Sure, it took a ~~lot~~ little of tugging, swearing, and Law & Order, but it is done. The best news is it's so roomy that the kiddo should be able to wear it this fall too. That alone makes up for all those issues.

A note to all pattern writers. For the love of GOD, will you PLEASE stop putting your increases at the start and finish of a row, and instead move them in a stitch or two? It won't kill you, I promise. And it'll make things so much easier for others who don't understand what a bitch it is to sew up a sleeve without a selvedge. Thanks.

2005-06-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

'wait for me' sweater
why can't you just please behave
armholes are to big

no yarn, i have left
i am sure you know it so
can't fix the armholes

so keep taunting me
a trip to the bottom of
the stash box you get

2005-06-15T10:25:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton in Shell
Needles: Clover Takumi Sz 8 24" circular
Pattern: Chevron Rib Tank by Ann Budd from Interweave Knits

I finished this tank a few weeks back. It is living it's life out as a shop model at Sweet Stitch. A good thing, because I think the wire model it is hanging on is the only thing I know of with a chest small enough for it to fit on.

2005-06-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

Lest anyone think all I did at work this weekend was stash stuff away...

Yarn: Lamb's Pride Burly Spun in Orange
Needles: Susan Bates Quicksilver Sz 17 29" circular and Brittany Birch Sz 17 DPN's
Pattern: Blue Sky Alpaca's Bobbi Bear

Yes, he is big. And yes, he is orange. And just to prove that knitters are slightly off-kilter he will be getting a green collar ala The Greatful Dead dancing bears.

2005-06-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day at my shop. Luckily we're only open for five hours, three of which are Stitch 'N Bitch. That alone should keep me from ordering a boatload of Rowan Summer Tweed in Sunset. And well, if it doesn't, I guess I see a shapely tank in my future.

2005-06-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

Things I Have Stashed at the Shop While Working (a working list)

-Two balls of Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Jelly
-One Zelda Grand tote in Spring Dots
-One pattern for Fiber Trend's Felted Flamingos
-Three balls of Rowan Wool Cotton in Citron

2005-06-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

Rawr!
Yarn: Rowan Handknit Cotton in Ice Water
Needles: Addi Turbo Sz 6 24" Circular
Pattern: Bronte, pattern by Jen of Xtreme Knitting

2005-05-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I ordered three skeins of yarn from an online shop back east. Said yarn still isn't here. And compound the fact they are downright horrible about answering customer questions. I am totally unimpressed.

2005-05-18T21:33:00.000-07:00

Working in a yarn shop is rather lovely and dangerous. You get paid to knit, using yarn you don't have to pay for, all in the name of a shop model. That tank you love so much but the pattern doesn't go to your size? It'll sell more cotton than you can shake a stick at. You also get to unpack all kinds of new stock, petting it as you. Yarns, notions, and bags oh my!

This is where the downside is, because you're liable to come home with 9 skeins of Rowan Handknit DK in Ice Water to make the Whoosh Zip Jacket from Miss Bea's Playtime. And of course you need something to tote your new project around in, so you also have to buy that lovely Lantern Moon Palm Leaf Tote in Cinnamon. You leave, thanking god for your steep employee discount because it'll save your ass when your husband gets ahold of the reciept.

2005-05-13T18:21:00.000-07:00

I get the feeling we've seen these colours before...

2005-05-07T21:44:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Mariner
Needles: Crystal Palace Sz 2 six inch DPNs
Pattern: Simple Socks from Sally Melvile's The Purl Stitch

I finished sock number two (really #3, but who is keeping track?) this morning and promptly gifted them away for Mother's Day. Hope you enjoy them, Mom!

The Mariner colourway is a older, discontinued colourway. I found the yarn tucked away in a local shop last year, shortly after Kerry finished her Lorna's socks. Since then it's been sitting in the bottom of my stash box waiting to be used. I finally decided to make my Mom a pair of socks for Mother's Day and use said Lorna's for it. So I cast on, finished, and promptly ripped apart sock number one. My gauge was way off and the fabric was so loose it wouldn't hold up to much wear. I cast back on, knit the sock number two (which is really number one, redux) much tighter and was much happier with it.

In the end Mom is happy, I am happy, and tomorrow I am casting on for a pair of socks for moi in this stuff. Pure heaven, I say.

2005-04-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

Signs you may knit to much.

-Your child comes over, pets what you are knitting, and proudly proclaims, "Wool!", and leaves.
-Your child gets recognized at your LYS before you do.
-Despite the fact your wrist hurts like a bitch you pop a couple Advil and keep on going. After all, your mother deserves a present after all the shit you put her through as a kid.

2005-04-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

I'm currently nursing my third RSI (repetitive stress injury) in as many months. Perhaps this is the hint (swift kick in the ass?) that I needed to finally sign up for the continental knitting class at Churchmouse Yarns.

Because of said RSI, all knitting has stopped for the time being. And because of that, I am highly doubting my ability to have those damn Lorna's Laces socks done for Mothers Day. Bah!

2005-04-18T17:47:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Koigu Kersti, colourway number 3049
Needles: Addi Turbo Sz 7 32" Circular
Pattern: Clapotis by Kate Gilbert

I love this pattern. LOVE IT. It's easy to read and fairly mindless once you get going, two things that are a must when dealing with someone who is two and doesn't understand the words "one more row". To those who spend their time whining about the pattern and how they don't understand why it's so popular, stuff it. Then find yourself a two year old and try to find something to knit. You'll soon understand why it is so damn great.

I used five and a half skeins of Kersti and managed to do 14 repeats instead of the 12 in the pattern. I probably could of done another but the wrap was rapidly outgrowing my lap and my arm span. The Kersti was a dream to work with and could I afford more of it, I'd quickly amass quite the collection of it. Now all I need is the right function to wear Clapotis to.

2005-04-11T09:36:00.000-07:00

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands.

*clap*clap*

2005-04-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

In the past week I have turned 26, started Clapotis in Kersti, bought even more Koigu KPPPM, put off working on the Lorna's Laces sock, read most of At Knit's End, and still managed to wash and fold clothes. Phew.

2005-04-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

Note to self. Lay off the yarn purchases for a while.

That's just the worsted stuff. I managed to get the rest of my stash shorted into weights and onto Flickr, complete with notes of what everything is. More proof that I should spend less time online and more time knitting!

2005-03-24T15:48:00.000-08:00

I finished off the first Lorna's Laces sock. No pictures of it yet, so just visualize a completed toe in the picture in the previous entry.

In a move that Kerry would be proud of, I had a bit of a Koigu lovefest yesterday. I picked up six skeins of Kersti to make a (possibly modified) version of Clapotis. And if that wasn't enough I thoroughly ~~abused~~ used my class discount to justify the purchase of two more skeins of KPPPM and a skein of Louet Gems for another pair of socks. Multiple pairs of needles were also had and I've now been banned from entering Churchmouse again until my class by my husband.

2005-03-20T17:55:00.000-08:00

Because I needed another project, damnit.

And because I need a pair of socks too. Some loverly Koigu for me, wee!

The top picture is some Lorna's Laces I've had stashed in the bottom of a box for several months. I purchased it after seeing Kerry's lovely socks and have since fallen out of love with the colours in it. Luckily for me, Mothers Day is coming up. I hope my Mom likes handknit socks, heh.

The class schedule for ~~heaven on earth~~ Churchmouse Yarns arrived yesterday evening. This morning at noon I promptly called them and signed up for Susanna Hosskan's Finishing for the Finicky class. If nothing else hopefully this'll spurn me to finish off my ignored Kid Classic Cardi.

2005-03-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

The birthday sweater. The toddler turns two next month and I think he needs a black ribbed sweater to celebrate. The white is just in case I totally lose my mind and decide to learn intarsia and put a skull and cross bones on the front.

Bought with the idea that it would one day be Tasha from Knitty. Added bonus was the yarn was on sale.

A wonderful circular needle clutch from Offhand Designs. Also known as my birthday present, heh.

A ball of Crystal Palace Poof, just because. Maybe it'll be a hat one day.

Give me two hours in a yarn shop and I turn into a kid in a candy shop. At 25 I still have no self control, the only difference now is that it's yarn instead of chocolate.

2005-03-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

Thank heavens for Kerry. If it wasn't for her I don't think I would update as often as I do.

Do you knit continental or English? English. If this makes me a crappy new knitter oh fucking well.

How long ago did you learn to knit? A little over a year ago.

First FO? The worst pair of felted slippers. They were from Knit One, Felt Too! and made from Kureyon. Despite many tries, they never felted. What a waste of good yarn.

Favorite yarn? It's a toss up between anything Koigu, Debbie Bliss' Alpaca Silk, and Manos del Uruguay. I could sleep in a bed of any of them.

Favorite pattern? Hrm. I loved Rockstar. I love that I will never have to knit it again more, however. It's a lovely pattern however.

Favorite pattern source? Interweave Knits, followed by Knitty. With the exception of Jillian most seem to think that women don't have a chest larger than 40" so it's hard to find anything to make.

Favorite needles? Addi Turbos.

Nicest thing you’ve ever knit? My Rockstar Scarf.

Most hated project? My Mother's felted backpack. This damn sweater I am making is quickly catching up, however. I don't know how I figured that making a sweater to fit my big ass would be fast and easy.

Who are you going to pass this on to? Erm, no one? If you feel like filling this out just leave a comment that you did. The more the merrier.

2005-03-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

'Cause it's my blog and I can post what I want to.

A lovely batik bag for a lovely woman.

This bag is going to Carol. Carol somehow mananges to wrangle a toddler, a pregnancy, and a home business. To say that I am in awe of Carol would putting it mildly. I can only hope that one day I have my stuff together half as well as she does.

2005-03-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

How awesome is Kerry? Very very awesome, I say.

Sadly, there will be no kittens or mittens made from this. Just a mistake rib scarf and a yummy pair of socks instead. Thanks again, Kerry!

2005-02-28T11:29:00.000-08:00

Why, it's a Misty Garden!

This yarn is impossible to photograph in anything less than full natural light. Youll have to trust me when I say the yarn is really orange. It's actually the yarn I purchased way back in September at a local fair. I'm using the yarn on the left, the Bluefaced Leicester. The slight varigation in the yarn lends itself wonderfully to the pattern and it is a dream to knit up, so soft!

2005-02-20T19:16:00.000-08:00

Oh, hi! I've been knitting, really. I've almost finished the sleeve cap on my second sweater sleeve. This is handy because it means I can rip apart the first cap since it was knit incorrectly.

#@&*!!

I'm always a fan of knitting something twice. Aren't you?

2005-02-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

What the hell is this?

Why, it's a recycled silk scarf!
Yarn: Himalayan Yarn Co. Tibet Recycled Silk
Needles: Clover Takumi Bamboo Sz 9 24" Circular
Pattern: Karen Baumer's Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf

This projected started out as a single skein of yarn that I purchased at Sweet Stitch to make a hat. At starting at it for several days I decided to go back and get two more skeins in different colours to make a scarf. I got there just in time too, as all she had left were four skeins.

Fast forward a few weeks. I got this wild idea to put beaded fringe on the ends. So off to the local bead shop I went, where I experienced massive sticker shock. Glass cane adds up fast, as it is sold by the gram. $32.00 later I had the 28 beads that I needed for the fringe.

Overall I am very pleased with how this scarf turned out. It's over six feet long without the fringe and rather warm to boot. My Mom seems to think she'll be able to lay claim to this but I believe she is sadly mistaken.

2005-02-03T18:11:00.000-08:00

I lied. Surgery is not going to be the 11th like I planned, but on the 4th instead. Yes, as in tomorrow, the 4th. I'm to be at the hospital at 9:30 and surgery is scheduled to start at 11am. With any luck I'll be home tomorrow night in a drug-addled haze.

2005-01-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

Yarn: Hand-dyed Lambs Pride Worsted
Needles: Crystal Palace Sz 10.5 8" DPN's
Pattern: Slipper Socks from Knit One, Felt Too!

Comfy, cozy, and finally wearable!

2005-01-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

Secretly, this sleeve is screaming to be blocked. My doing it is another story all together.

Remember the cursed slipper socks? They're finally blocking. This is a good thing too, since I will most likely be wearing them in a hospital very very soon. The verdict is the gall bladder needs to go, and the sooner the better. My surgery consult is tomorrow afternoon and I'll likely as the deed to be done the Friday before Valentines Day. Besides, nothing says love like chocolate and pain killers, right?

2005-01-23T22:58:00.000-08:00

Question of the day. Exactly how many times will I need to rip back a sleeve cap before I pull my head out of my ass and do the decreases correctly? We're up to two for today, and the sleeve is currently back in the project basket pouting while I work on this.

2005-01-21T17:06:00.000-08:00

The wrist feels ok, the gall bladder is behaving, and a real knitting update is coming soon. Promise!

2005-01-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

You know the feeling of "if it's not one thing, than it is another"? Sadly, that seems to be my life, lately. My wrist is much better, but that doesn't make up for the fact that in the past week I have spent no less than 10 hours in an ER or Urgent Care Clinic. I've had gall bladder problems since my son was born but they've come to head this past week and it's time for that ~~no good slacker organ~~ puppy to come out.

This means less time knitting and more time hoping that the dry bread I ate doesn't make me ill. Hopefully this will all be over soon and I'll be back in fighting form. Besides I desperatly crave a plate of lasagne and I know it's not going to happen until I come off that surgery table in the OR.

2005-01-06T13:26:00.000-08:00

Major carpal tunnel flare up, so no new knitting from me for the time being.

FYI, if you ever find yourself in Port Townsend, WA on a sunny day make sure to stop by Diva Yarns. Lovely shop filled to the brim with yummy yarns. In anticipation of being able to handle a pair of needles without yelping I picked up four balls of Debbie Bliss Soho for AFS*.

*AFS, another fucking scarf. Because everyone could use another one, ya know?

2005-01-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

Murphy's Law for Knitters - When making swatches for a sweater that already has the yarn purchased for it, you will never get the proper gauge you need.

2004-12-30T21:35:00.000-08:00

Yarn: Cascade 220 Quatro in #9438
Needles: Addi Turbo Sz 6 32" Circulars (overkill, much?)
Pattern: Tiny Birds Soaker Pattern

It's Finished Objects day around here. This soaker is going to a dear friend, or should I say, a dear friend's daughter. I hope they're able to get lots of use out of it.

2004-12-30T18:40:00.000-08:00

Yarn: Noro Silk Garden in #45
Needles: Addi Turbo Sz 7 24" Circular
Pattern: Karen Baumer's Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf

I've had two skeins of Silk Garden kicking around since last March. They were purchased from Beehive Wool during a visit to Victoria to see a good friend (Hi Mar!). Since then they've been two other scarf patterns, neither of which I was pleased with. I finally decided to give Karen's pattern a whirl and now I see why it's so popular. It's easy and produces great results.

2004-12-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

What happens when you get this book and a gift certificate from here for Christmas?

This.

Ten skins of Rowan Kid Classic in Battle for a raglan cardigan. The bad news is I underestimated the yardage I'd need for a sweater to cover my massive ass so I need to go back and pick another two. The good news is we're going to a mochitsuki on the island next Sunday so I'll be able to do it then.

And since I've never been known when to stop while fondling yarn I also grabbed three skeins of Manos del Uruguay in Canyon. What will I do with it? No effin' clue, but that wasn't a good enough excuse to not pick it up.

2004-12-23T08:20:00.000-08:00

The slippers are sitting in a bag where I am currently ignoring them. Plans have been laid to add tennis balls and boiling water to the washing machine for their next whirl. Feh, damn things.

In the meantime I pulled out an old skein of Cascase 220 Quatro (9348 to be exact) and am knitting this wool soaker. I've needed something that isn't worked on dpn's and this serves that purpose well. However, since I can never leave a pattern alone I've changed the way the decreases are done so that it's easier to seam up. It still makes for nice mindless knitting is just what the stitch doctor ordered.

2004-12-20T22:21:00.000-08:00

I felted the slippers. Or should we say, I tried to felt the slippers. The bloody things just won't felt down.

I hope someone gets a good giggle about that. There are four days until Christmas and there is no way in hell I'll have another pair done before then. Blah!

2004-12-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

The slipper socks. No, your eyes do not decieve you. I still haven't managed to get these puppies felted. But that's ok, I still have 10 days to do it. Afer all, nothing says Christmas like procrastination.

2004-11-30T22:03:00.000-08:00

I'm still alive. I finished the slipper socks and haven't picked up needles since, my fingers are feeling a bit burnt out. Instead I've been doing a bit of stash enhancement at a local shop that just opened up. I'll have a more exciting post coming soon, promise.

2004-11-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

R asked for a closeup of the edging of the beanies, so here it is.

This is little brother's hat. Unfortunatly for me the skien was tied together and threw off the blending of the colours. Even worse was the fact that the splice showed up at the end of the ribbing. Everyone swears they can't tell but anal-retentive me can.

I've been working slowly on the slipper socks. I've been DPN'd out which isn't good when I have another pair to knit still. However I am loving the way the dyed Lambs Pride looks when knit up which helps a bit.

2004-11-18T18:11:00.000-08:00

Colourway #39

Colourway #203
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden in #39 and #203
Needles: Brittany Birch Sz 6 8" DPNs
Pattern: Silk Garden Beanie from And She Knits Too!

Quick and easy, my kind of knitting. Beanie #1 has already found a home on my husband's head, and beanie #2 is going to my little brother for Christmas. I was left with more yarn than I expected when I finished, but that probably has to do with the fact that I never bother to knit a gauge swatch. The horror, I know.

2004-11-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

Dig the PJ bottoms!
Yarn: Cascade Pastaza hand-dyed by moi
Needles: Crystal Palace Sz 10.5 8" DPNs
Pattern: Fuzzy Feet from knitty.com

I dyed the yarn using Kool-Aid earlier this summer and it's been sitting at the bottom of my stash ever since. It felts wonderfully and rather quickly too, these were done after one 12 minute cycle. I need to pick up some puff paint and add non-skid pads to the bottom of these, walking across the floor in them could be dangerous. Otherwise they're done and will make a wonderful present for one of the Grandparents.

2004-11-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

There's been lots going on at Casa K2P2. The first pair of the fuzzy feet are blocking, I've got a good start on the first Silk Garden Beanie, and I was able to dye the yarn for fuzzy feet numbers two and three. At this rate I may have a snowballs chance in hell of finishing my holiday knitting. That is, of course, if I don't poke my eyes out with a pair of DPNs first.

I used mango, green apple, blue raspberry, and changin' cherry. I wasn't expecting the mango to be so orange, I was hoping for more of a gold/bright yellow colour. Lesson learned however, use the pineapple next time.

2004-11-07T19:32:00.000-08:00

Love this pattern. LOVE IT. It makes knitting socks not-so-scary (Kerry, why was I scared of turning a heel) and the huge stitches allow a begining sock knitter to see what they're doing. Even better is that once I'm doing knitting the four pairs that are Christmas gifts I should be able to do them in my sleep.

And while I'm talking about Christmas knitting, my lil bro is getting one of Stephanie's wonderful Silk Garden beanies. I picked up a skein of Silk Garden today in this colourway today during a quickie visit to Pastimes. Hopefully it'll keep his balm melon warm this winter.

2004-11-04T16:02:00.000-08:00

(This is as close to an action shot as I was able to get.)
Yarn: Rowan Handknit Cotton in Turkish Plum and Gooseberry
Needles: Addi Turbo Sz 6 32" Circular, Brittany Birch Sz 3 8" DPNs
Pattern: Stocking Stitch Sweater from Knitting for Baby: 30 Heirloom Projects

I think it took me longer to seam this sweater up than it did to knit it. It was finished Halloween night but I have been too busy to remember to take a picture of it. I did have to lengthen the body and sleeves by 1.5" on all pieces and ended up making a bobble to close the neck due to the fact that our one fabric shop had no matching buttons. There are already plans to make another in Cascade Sierra for early spring use.

2004-11-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

My package from Kerry arrived today. Inside was the yarn I won in her contest, a bumper sticker, and some yummy strawberry tea. I have no idea what to do with the yarn but I am sure something will come to me. In the meantime I'll relish the bright colours it contains.

2004-10-28T22:31:00.000-07:00

Things I Have Learned While Making This Sweater

-Seaming sucks.
-I have lots of ends to weave in. Weaving ends in sucks.
-I should of done the damn thing in the round.
-The pattern is wrong when it comes to the neck. Joy.
-I am never ever making it again.

2004-10-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

The completed back of the Stocking Stitch Sweater. I am in love with this yarn. It knits up so easily and so quick. And the best of all, it's machine washable which is a MUST when it'll be worn by someone who will eat dirt if given the chance.

2004-10-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

I love Churchmouse Yarns & Teas.

2004-10-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

Today's excuse for not knitting has been brought to you by the letter 'D', the number '2', and one toddler.

2004-10-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Koigu KPPPM in colourway #602 and GGH Apart in Black
Needles: Addi Turbo Sz 3 24" Circulars
Pattern: Rockstar from Knitty.com

Shortly after that picture was taken I danced a jig because this scarf is DONE. It wound up being about five feet long and has 32 repeats. It's warm, it's fuzzy, but most importantly it's DONE.

2004-10-05T18:40:00.000-07:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and in order to do my part to support that I'm listing some handmade stitch markers on Auctions for a Cure. I've currently got a set of sterling silver markers with vintage beads listed with more to come. All profits from any of my auctions (they aren't just limited to stitch markers) will be donated to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

This is something near and dear to my heart as my Mother, both Grandmothers, and several Aunts have all had, and survived, breast cancer. Hopefully with the research that the Komen Foundation is doing now won't requre radical surgeries and chemotherapy.

2004-09-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

Halfway there! I started the second skein of the KPPPM yesterday. The first skein took me about 31 inches so I should have a nice five foot scarf when I am finished. With any luck I'll have this done within the next ten days or so and I'll be able to wear it. A good thing too since the high's here have been about 65 degrees during the day and 35 at night.

2004-09-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Lamb's Pride Worsted, Paton's Cha Cha
Needles: Brittany Birch Sz 10.5 DPN's, Addi Turbo Sz 10.5 24" Circular
Pattern: Wendy Knits' Kitty Pi

Finished, one kitty bed for the Wendy Knits Kitty Bed Along. All the beds being made in the knitalong are being donated to Petfinder.com's Adopt a Seniot Pet Month in November. It's roughly 12" across due to the fact I used smaller than recommended needles and didn't bother doubling up the yarn. It's a bit floppy and perfect for that smaller elderly kitty who needs a warm bed.

2004-09-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

No new knitting on Rockstar to report. I've had a migraine kicking my ass for two days it hasn't lent it's hand to knitting tiny stitches on tiny needles. I did manage to make it to the fair and bought some lovely handpainted wool.

The yarn on the left is a 100% Bluefaced Leicester wool, the right is a handpainted Wensleydale that has some mohair content. There's a little over 1,000 yards between the two skeins which would make a lovely poncho if the person who bought them had made sure they were the same weight. Which they aren't, because she (ahem, me) didn't check. I'm sure they'll still make a lovely poncho but now I'll actually have to think about a pattern for it.

2004-09-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

I've been slowly plugging away at Rockstar. I've been doing one repeat a day so that it'll at least be completed before the end of October. It's over 24" long now and is starting to look like a scarf which is some added incentive to get it finished and off my needles.

2004-09-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride, hand dyed for the project
Needles: 8" Sz 7 Brittany Birch DPNs, 16" & 24" Sz 8 Addi Turbo circulars
Pattern: A bastardized version of Berroco's Po.

I can FINALLY post about this project, now that it's been recieved.

This is the Super Secret Birthday Present. It's a Poncho and Tam set complete with detachable rosette, made for Mar's daughter's second birthday. I had dyed the wool with this project in mind and had just enough to finish it all. Thankfully I had an unwilling body double in my own son (who does not look good in pink, BTW) to make sure it was going to easily fit for a while.

Overall I am very pleased with the way the set turned out. It looks great on Miss Monkey and I am sure she will get lots of wear and tear out of it. I can only hope however that Mar forgives me for sending something that may need to be hand washed...

2004-09-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

I've been knitting, really!

See?

I got my swatch done for my Lorna's Laces socks. I used size one needles for a nice tight fabric and am very pleased with the colourway looks. Now I just need the time to cast on for the first one. Of course, I might have that time if I didn't get a bug up my ass and cast on for a quickie ribbed scarf made out of some Silk Garden I had in my stash. It should be done in the next day or two however and then I can get going on my socks!

2004-09-06T22:05:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Cascade 220 in 420 and Noro Kureyon in 52.
Needles: Sz 10.5 32" Addi Turbo circulars
Pattern: My own design

I finally hauled out all the pieces to the felted backpack from hell and put it together. It's a gift for my Mom that I started way back in May. I can't quite call it finished since that fabric that is sitting there is the lining of the bag. I'll have to haul out my sewing machine to finish it up and then handstitch the lining in.

For the body I cast on 60 stitches and knit 34 rows using the 220 doubled. From there I picked up stitches around the edges and knit over 100 rounds before binding off. This made for a nicee thick body. The straps are also made of doubled 200 using a seed stitch to get a flat strap. The lid is made of Kureyon and everything was then felted to oblivion and blocked. I ended up using almost five skeins of the 220 and a full single skein of the Kureyon. Hopefully my Mom likes it and will be able to get a lot of use out of it.

2004-08-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

I've been told that I need to lay off buying Kool-Aid.

Starting at three o'clock. Pink Lemonade, Soarin' Strawberry Lemonade, Strawberry, Solar Starfruit Strawberry, Cherry, Tropical Punch, Jamaica, Switchin' Secret Strawberry, Tangerine, Orange (US), Orange (CDN), Mango, Pineapple, Arctic Green Apple, Lemon Lime, Changin' Cherry, Raspberry Reaction, Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade, Grape (US), Grape (CDN), and Black Cherry.

Me thinks the person who said that may be right.

2004-08-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

Something of interest for those in the west sound (or all over puget sound, if you're willing to travel). The Poulsbohemian Coffee House in Poulsbo, WA is attempting to knit the worlds longest scarf. The record is currently 21 miles (yes, miles) and is held by a group of ladies in Raglan, Scotland. They're attempting to go 22 miles. And if you're wondering how far 22 miles is, the scarf when finished will go from the coffeehouse to the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal and back. If you have a few minutes to spare stop by and help these wonderful ladies out. They're also taking donations of yarn for this project.

2004-08-25T10:39:00.000-07:00

Finally, some Rockstar pictures.

I've got about 1/5th of the scarf done so far. For the record, tiny stitches and a toddler don't mix around here, which has made for very very VERY slow going. Yes, he naps, but a girl has to shower at some point too.

But I digress.

I'm using colourway 621 which I can not find another picture of. It's looks a lot more red than it really is. It's intermixed with every other colour of the rainbow and looks wonderful against the black Apart.

And speaking of the Apart, you can see I need to do another section of it. Never in my life have I loathed six rows of knitting like I do those.

2004-08-21T22:56:00.000-07:00

It's picture time!

I was inspired by Kerry's loverly sock(s) and purchased some Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Mariner/Ravenswood and the required needles to knit myself a pair too. I am in love with the colourway, the photo just doesn't give the colours justice.

I also picked up this.

It's Lambs Pride Worsted that was originally White Frost and is now varying shades of pink thanks to six shades of kool-aid. There's actually two skeins there and it's going to be a birthday present for a friend. I'm just waiting on the pattern to show up and then I can get started on it.

2004-08-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

Really, have I mentioned how much I hate GGH Apart? I imagine that working it on the recommended size eight US needles would make it manageable, something working it on size three needles isn't. It's also made me dread working on Rockstar, and the fact I've only gotten three repeats done in a week really shows that. At this rate, I'll be wearing this scarf next winter.

2004-08-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

I hate GGH Apart.

2004-08-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Lambs Pride Worsted in Aztec Turquoise and Limeaid
Needles: Addi Turbo Sz 10.5 24" circular and Crystal Palace Sz 10.5 8" DPNs
Pattern: Wendy Knits! Kitty Pi

One finished kitty bed. Because I used a smaller gauge than what the pattern said, it resulted in a slightly smaller bed, but that's ok. Since when has a cat not squished themselves into an impossibly small spot anyways? The intended recipient may find a toddler in the box with the bed if he doesn't stop playing with it, too.

2004-08-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Finished and felted Kitty Pi. Since I don't have a cat to display in it I'll have to get the toddler to stand in.

I must be stopped from going to another LYS. In the past three days I have hit three and bought something every time I wouldn't. The first two times weren't too bad. Cascase 220 at Wild and Wooly to Kool-Aid dye and some Lambs Pride Bulky and size 11 needles for another kitty pi from Linda's. But I so blew the budget with the purchase of a small swift and yarn winder from Churchmouse.

Woops.

On the plus side however, every skein of yarn that wasn't wound now is and Rick didn't have to listen to me bitch about doing it once.

2004-08-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

Started the wonderful Wendy Knits! Kitty Pi cat bed for D's ~~hellions~~ cats. Hopefully it'll keep them from molesting her sweaters. It's also giving me the chance to work through some of my stash so I can buy more. Wee!

2004-07-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

Not a whole lot of knitting going on here this week. The kidlet started walking so most of my knitting time is now being spent outside working on a sunburn while walking him around. I'm also gearing up to work on Rockstar again (must.psych.self.up.for.tiny.stitches) and looking for a decent yet cheap swift and yarn winder. Any suggestions?

2004-07-26T22:08:00.000-07:00

Meet the pink lady.

I modified the Booga Bag pattern to my liking and used the Cascade that was mentioned in the post below and then felted it. It was finished in record time considering my sister is in town from Atlanta and the kidlet has been sleeping like absolute crap. It's slated to be a Christmas present for our hairdresser since she's a pink kinda gal. Hope she likes it.

2004-07-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

The haul from Wednesdays trip to Skeinz! LTD includes two skeins of Cascade 220 in both 7805 and 7802 and one pair of 24" size 3 Addi Turbos. The wool is for Christmas presents, and the needles are for Rockstar.

2004-07-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Is there anything that will ruin your mood like having to frog a project you've dumped at least 12 hours into? RIP Koigu hat. May you get started again when I have some patience.

2004-07-16T16:45:00.000-07:00

It's being knit up using Koigu in colourway 509 using a pattern from The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns. Hpoefully by the time I get it finished Colin'll still be able to wear it this fall and early winter.

2004-07-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

Nothing sucks more than making a special trip to your favourite LYS only to find out that they're closed. That'll be the last time I don't check a shop's hours before making a trip out.

2004-07-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

Two updates in one month. Woo, I'd better make sure I don't over exert myself!

The body and strap for the Backpack from Hell (tm) have finally been finished and felted. I'm about haflway done with the top flat which is a lot faster than either of those pieces ever were, so it should be done by tonight putting that project to rest. I'll have to make sure to take a picture of it once I have it assembled.

I've started working on a winter roll brim hat for the kidlet made from Koigu. I love knitting in the round, but doing it with what amounts to toothpicks and merino dental floss is a bit time consuming. Hopefully it'll still fit by the time I get done finishing it up.

2004-06-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of updating once a month, I bring you what else but another update.

I finished the body of my Mom's felted backback. I'm about 1/6th of the way through the strap and then just have the top of it to knock off. Her birthday is the 28th and I was hoping to have it at least ready to felt by then, but I don't think that is going happen.

I picked up Debbie Bliss' Quick Baby Knits and now have about four more projects to add to my already long list. So much knitting, so little time.

2004-05-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

I have a serious case of startitis. I have four projects on needles with at least two more that I need to get working on quick. I finally tracked down a second skein of Debbie Bliss Merino DK for Bitchquick so I can finish the second half of it done and get my size 8 circs back. I'm also working on a backpack for my Mom which is going amazingly quick all things considered. (It's huge, due to felting.) Now if I could just get a few seconds to work on something for ME.

2004-03-24T17:33:00.000-08:00

Froggit!

I loathe frogging. At the rate I am going I will never get BitchQuick done.

2004-03-15T21:52:00.000-08:00

Kitty Dim Sum

This is for two very lucky kitties. The pattern is courtesy of knitty and knit up with Noro Kureyon #126 on size 7 needles. I ended up using the leftovers of the skein I had left from the now defunct slippers.

2004-02-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

The World's Ugliest Felted Vintage Slippers, Part Deux.

So yeah, there isn't a chance in hell those will ever fit. They do however make wonderful hats to put on your children.

Lesson learned here. Kureyon felts nicely, but doesn't shrink for shit.

2004-02-23T23:09:00.000-08:00

The World's Ugliest Felted Vintage Slippers.

I found the pattern in Knit One, Felt Too!. It's very easy, and is knit on size 11 needles in a stockingnet stitch using Noro Kuriyon (#126) and then sewn together once the knitting is finished.

The stripes were made by alternating two balls of the Kureyon using each one for two rows before changing. I added the orange stitching over the seams on both the back and top of the finished slipper, I haven't yet decided what colour I will use for the second slipper.

The finished size of the slipper before felting is roughly 16 inches, and once felted should fit my size nines nicely.

2004-02-16T11:14:00.000-08:00

The BitchQuick scarf. (Not to be confused with Bisquick, which is used for baking.)

I got the idea from the Windy City Scarf in Stitch N' Bitch. I've started the split for the tail to pull back through. It's being worked with Debby Bliss Merino in Dark Blue and Light Olive Green on size 8 needles.

2004-02-08T12:39:00.000-08:00

The homeless scarf. It's about 14 inches long now, and being knit in size 8 needles. It's a Lion Brand Wool-Ease in a blue mix. I've lost the lable (go me!) so I can't give specifics about it. I figure I'll keep knitting it out until I've got a small amount of yarn left and then fringe the ends with the leftovers. As for a new home for it, well that's the homeless bit.

2004-02-06T22:13:00.000-08:00

Oh stockingnet stitch, how I love you. Your purly goodness mixed with some garter love makes for one loverly stitch in a scarf.

Now I just wish I'd learned how to purl before I got 25% of the way through the homeless scarf. Cest la vie!

2004-02-03T15:02:00.000-08:00

Test post! Woot!